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Play Pickleball at the Y

pickleballBeing a leader in health and fitness, we are proud to be a host for one of the fastest growing sports in America: pickleball! Combining elements of badminton, tennis and ping pong, pickleball is played with solid paddles and a perforated ball similar to a wiffle ball on a short solid court with a low net. 

Pickleball is a sport that works for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy to learn. While it does have its own set of quirky rules, these unique rules favor players with less mobility and allow active adults to compete successfully with younger competitors. Build a little skill that can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game. 

Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles with a shorter court and lightweight paddles. Doubles involve longer rallies, lower physical demands and more opportunities for court banter providing endless opportunity for individual improvement and learning subtle techniques. The game is also quick, making it a convenient way to get in some exercise. Games in a typical league run only 15 minutes each.  

Playing pickleball, like other forms of exercise, can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, increase flexibility, and lead to a better, healthier you. But unlike walking on the treadmill or using other machines in the wellness center, this is a socially oriented game that keeps you engaged from beginning to end!

WHERE TO PLAY

We offer many different program options for anyone looking to expand their skills or play for the love of the game.

  • Open play 
  • Tournaments 
  • Clinics (varies by branch)
  • Private lessons 

CURRENT LOCATIONS

Border View Family YMCA

  • Indoor courts located in the gymnasium.
  • Equipment will be available for check out at the Welcome Center. 
  • Members and nonmembers are invited for open play.
  • All levels:
    • Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00am–11:00am
  • Contact Chad Prokop, [email protected] for more information.

Rancho Family YMCA 

  • Indoor courts 
  • Open Play: Tuesday/Thursday, 11:00am - 1:00pm
  • Contact Sebastian Rodriguez, [email protected], for information.

Dan McKinney Family YMCA 

  • Outdoor courts
    • Available to members for open play.
    • Courts are shared spaces and available throughout the day unless otherwise reserved for programming.
    • Please check in at the Welcome Center before attending.
    • Members may check out equipment at the Welcome Center and are responsible for setting it up and taking it down.
  • Indoor courts
    • Open play schedule (all levels)
      • Mornings: Monday & Wednesday, 8:00-11:00am | Tuesday, 10:30am-12:30pm | Friday, 8:00-9:45am
      • Afternoons: Friday, 5:30-8:00pm | Saturday, 3:00-6:00pm
    • Indoor pickleball nets will be set up prior to the start of open play. Members are welcome to check out equipment at the Welcome Center but are encouraged to bring their own.
  • Contact our Sports Coordinator at [email protected] for more information.

Jackie Robinson Family YMCA 

  • Indoor courts
    • Advanced: Monday and Thursday, 8:30am - 11:00am
  • All levels:
    • Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday, 8:30am - 11:00am
  • No reservations required.
  • Tournaments: Upcoming dates — Sign up now to compete!
  • Contact Jasmine Monterroso, [email protected] for more information.

Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA 

  • Indoor courts
  • All levels:
    • Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 6:00am - 9:00am
    • Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30am - 9:00am
    • Sunday, 10:00am - 12:00pm
  • Contact Brian Wagner, [email protected], for information.

Mission Valley YMCA

  • Indoor courts
  • Open Play
    • Advanced/high intermediate:
      • Monday/Wednesday, 7:00am -11:00am and Friday, 7:00am - 9:25am
    • Low intermediate/beginner:
      • Tuesday/Thursday, 8:00am - 11:00am and Friday, 9:30am - 11:00am
    • All levels:
      • Friday, 5:30pm - 9:00pm
      • Saturday, 3:45pm - 6:00pm
    • Family Play:
      • Sunday, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
  • New!! Outdoor courts - Check out our one outdoor pickleball net at the Welcome Center (ID required). Members are responsible for setup and take down. 
    • Low Intermediate/Beginner:
      • Monday/Wednesday, 9:00am-1:00pm and Friday, 9:00am-11:00am
    • Advanced/High Intermediate: 
      • Tuesday/Thursday, 9:00am-1:00pm and Friday, 11:00am-1:00pm
    • Family Play:
      • Sunday, 12:00pm-2:00pm
    • All Skill Levels:
      • Sunday, 2:00pm-5:00pm
  • House Rules: Read the house rules for playing pickleball at the Mission Valley Y.
  • Clinics: Learn the game or build your skills at one of our clinics (schedule varies).
  • Upcoming tournaments:
    • Ladies Turkey Shootout Tournament: Friday, November 8, 2024 | 8:00am — Shootout format. Team registration deadline by November 1. No partner necessary! - Register today!
      Fee: Nonmembers: $40 (Up to 25% off with select Y memberships)
  • For more information on all pickleball activities, contact Barb Madsen at [email protected].
  • To schedule your private, small group lessons, clinics and packages, contact Cara Beltran at [email protected].

T. Claude and Gladys B. Ryan Family YMCA

  • Indoor courts located in the gymnasium.
  • Weekly court schedule (all levels):
    • Monday and Friday | 9:00am-9:45am
    • Wednesday | 9:00am-10:00am
    • Sunday | 9:00am-12:00pm
      • Note: Sunday court will be unavailable beginning in December and will return Sunday, February 9, 2025.
  • Equipment is available for check out at our Welcome Center. 
  • Members are responsible for set up and take down, keeping score, rules, monitoring and etc.
  • For more information about pickleball, contact Jeff Bence, [email protected].

Toby Wells YMCA

  • Indoor courts: Studio 4
  • Two courts are available for open play
  • Open play available for all levels:
    • Tuesday and Thursday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm.
    • Sunday, 10:45am - 12:45pm
  • Bring your own equipment.
  • Beginning in January, clinics will be available the first Wednesday of every month, 1:30pm-3:00pm.
    • Cost: $25 members | $30 participants
  • Courts available for rent! Reserve your court today.

How To Play

The ball is served underhand so contact with the ball is made below waist level. The server hits from behind the baseline on one side of the center line and aims diagonally to the opponent’s service zone. Only the serving side may score. Play ends for a point when one side commits a fault. The first side scoring 11 points, leading by at least two points, wins the game. Tournament games may be played to 15 or 21 points.

Rules of Pickleball

A pickleball game is 11 points, and players can only score points when they, or their team, has the serve. Matches must be won by two points - meaning if one team as 11 points and another has 10, play continues until the higher scoring team is 2 points ahead. 

Much like tennis or other racket sports, there are rules about serving and receiving a serve, places on the court that are out of play, etc. Visit USAPA and read a comprehensive list of rules.

Who Can Play

Pickleball is enjoyed by people of all ages and athletic abilities thanks to its ease of play, making it a great family sport. The game is being introduced to kids and teens in physical education classes, and its popularity is catching on with all age groups. Additionally, retirement communities have adopted pickleball as an activity for residents. It is a unique sport in that teens and seniors can play each other.